Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find a list of the most frequently asked questions. If your question is not listed or for any further information please feel free to contact us.

1, How do I register to study at the Academy?

1, Leave your message and basic information by clicking on the booking button.

2. Transfer a US$100 application fee in order to reserve a place at the Academy. You can pay via Paypal to Shaolinwugulun@gmx.com, or make a bank transfer, we will send you bank details by email if requested.

3. Apply for a Chinese tourist visa (L-type) or business visa (F-type) at your local Chinese embassy. You might have to show your flight ticket and the invitation letter that we will send you.

2, Do I need any martial arts experience to attend your school?

No, we accept both beginners and experienced martial artists, since our masters focus on everybody individually.

3．What kind of physical/mental preparation would be advisable?

Physical preparation is not strictly required. However, it will be helpful, since you will get used to the training program more quickly. Generally speaking, our training is not as physically intense as the training in the Wushu schools, but it is difficult at times as it requires a lot of concentration, the training is mentally challenging.

The only advices would be to first "empty yourself” and stretch if you can.

4，Can I extend my visa if I wish to study longer?

With an invitation letter from our Academy, you will usually be able to apply for an L-visa of 3 months, and it is possible to extend it up to 6 months. As the visa policy could be changed by the government, please contact us for visa solution if you wish to train for a long period.

5，What is the weather like?

In the summer time, our mountain location benefits by having a much cooler, less humid climate than in the cities and lowlands. Although the sun is often hot in the middle of the day, mornings and evenings are usually cool. Spring and fall are mild and very comfortable. In winter, the cold weather starts from mid-November to February and the temperature ranges between -5 to +14 degrees Celsius.

6， What does a typical day at the academy look like?

Daily Schedule  ( for reference  )

Timetable may alter according to the weather/seasons

8:00        Breakfast

9:00-10:00   Step work and body movements

10:00-10:30  Break

10:30:11:30  Applications 1

12:00       Lunch

15:30-16:30  Stretch and kicks 

16:30-17:00  Break

17:00-18:00  Applications 2

18:30       Dinner

20:00-21:00  Meditation (or evening training by self )

8，What are the costs for studying at the Academy?

For students who apply for more than month training program, we require $100 non refundable application fee to be paid before arrival to the school, so that we can prepare a place for you, the fee will also include picking up service from the airport or train station of Beijing, and tailored training suit in advance.

The fees include:

1. Free pick up and drop off (Naoshao subway station)

2. Accommodation ( 2 person shared room in a beautiful old courtyard).

3. Master directed training (5 days/week)

4. Use of training & meditation equipment

5. Meals (3 vegetarian meals per day, 6 days a week)

6. Free use of internet (WI-FI)

7. Western style showers and toilets

8. Use of the laundry room

9. Use of recreation areas 

10. 1 sets of bedding.

9，When do the courses / training start?

We usually operating our regular kung fu training and meditation course in the country side of Beijing from July to October, you can join our training at first week of these months . As for the Kung Fu Zen Retreats program, we have set up fixed dates for each program, please look it up on our website.

10，What is the safest way to carry and exchange money?

There are many ATM's in town that accept debit and credit cards, so you can just bring your home bank card with you when coming to China. Travelers checks can be used, only exchanges currency notes and not traveler’s checks. Long-term students can open local bank accounts and then have their money transferred from home. Traveling with large sums of cash is not encouraged.

11，How is the food like at the Academy?

We only provide vegetarian food at the Academy/temple. In traditional Chinese culture, the vegetarian diet that students eat at Kung Fu Garden Retreat is believed to cleanse the body from impurities in the blood, while making the Qi tranquil and helping to create a peaceful state of mind.

12，Can I have internet access in the academy?

Yes, we provide WIFI internet access in the academy and it’s free of charge.

13，Will I get a certificate after I complete my studies?

We would issue certificate for students who has taken more than three months of training at our academy, everything mastered will be stated on it as well as the comments your master gives to you.

14. Is this the original Shaolin Wugulun Kung fu Academy website? As I see other similar ones. 

www.shaolinwugulun.org and Kungfuzen.org are the original Shaolin Wugulun Kung Fu websites and is the first English website that explains the authentic lineage of Shaolin kung fu to overseas students. Those misunderstandings are often due to the fact that since we moved to Beijing we changed our name to Kung Fu Zen Garden Retreat, It was started in 2004 while the other derivative websites showed up after 2010.